Multi-mode NFC/RFID scanning

ABSTRACT

During hand-held operation, configuration of an NFC/RFID Reader/Writer peripheral device in a predefined mode named “Mobile Mode with Auto-Collection”, enables recognition of a long duration (e.g. 5 second) trigger press (AKA a “Long Press”) as an enabling event prompting a change of scan behavior between single-shot scan operation and continuous scan operation. In other defined Modes of the peripheral device, other predetermined enabling events, such as the presence or absence of a predetermined external power source, prompt the change between single-shot and continuous scan operations. The Long Press and the other intuitive features enable the general user to be able to switch between various modes and to do so without requiring acquisition or use of an additional dedicated scanner with its requisite expense or inconvenience, and without requiring advanced knowledge, special access, or special resources.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

To the extent permitted by the type of the instant application, thisapplication incorporates by reference for all purposes the followingapplications, all commonly owned with the instant application not laterthan the effective filing date of the instant application:

U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/609,322, filed 12-21-2017,first named inventor Ivan G. STOILOV, and entitled MULTI-MODE NFC/RFIDSCANNING.

BACKGROUND Field

Advancements in NFC/RFID peripheral device scanning are needed toprovide improvements in cost, profitability, performance, efficiency,and utility of use.

Related Art

Unless expressly identified as being publicly or well known, mentionherein of techniques and concepts, including for context, definitions,or comparison purposes, should not be construed as an admission thatsuch techniques and concepts are previously publicly known or otherwisepart of the prior art. All references cited herein (if any), includingpatents, patent applications, and publications, are hereby incorporatedby reference in their entireties, whether specifically incorporated ornot, for all purposes.

Improvements in NFC/RFID peripheral device scanning are needed toimprove user and developer experience by enabling selective featureaccessibility and utilization, enhance the user interface, facilitateswitching to the most appropriate scan mode configuration, facilitateoptimal power use, and provide for intuitive and forgiving operation.

In so-called continuous scanning, without requiring a trigger event, thescanner looks for one RFID tag, performs a read (and then stores ortransmits the tag data), and repeats this behavior indefinitely.Continuous scanning is often preferable for high volume hands-freeunattended object scans, for example for scanning a train of objects inthe tracking of warehouse stock and manufacturing assemblies, or forcommon self-service customer transactions that don't require worker ormanagement involvement. RFID scanners for continuous scanning aretypically designed for unattended hands-free scanning and generally donot have any closed-case exposed controls, beyond a power switch.Reconfiguration, including access to advanced options or features (ifany), may require advanced knowledge, special access, or specialresources, typically unavailable to the general user.

In so-called single-shot scanning, in response to a trigger event, thescanner looks for one RFID tag, performs a read (and then stores ortransmits the tag data), and then stops (does not look for another RFIDtag) until another trigger event. Single-shot scanning is oftenpreferable for scans of people, scans with associated ad hoc/customcustomer service transactions, scans where mistakes would be costly ordiminish customer goodwill, scans where an operator has a jobresponsibility to perform the scan, capital or high value assetinventory scans, critical security or safety checks, extended mobilescanning where power conservation is important, or where it is importantnot to scan objects or people accidentally or multiple times. RFIDscanners for single-shot scanning are typically designed for portable ormobile hand-held scanning. Reconfiguration, including access to advancedoptions or features (if any), may require advanced knowledge, specialaccess, or special resources, typically unavailable to the general user.

While each of continuous scanning and single-shot scanning haverespective application areas, such as the examples above where they areparticularly suited, use cases exists where it is at least sometimesdesirable for the general user to be able to switch between these twomodes of scanning and to do so without requiring acquisition or use ofan additional dedicated scanner with its requisite expense orinconvenience, and without requiring advanced knowledge, special access,or special resources.

SYNOPSIS

The invention may be implemented in numerous ways, e.g. as a process, anarticle of manufacture, an apparatus, a system, a composition of matter,and a computer readable medium such as a computer readable storagemedium (e.g., media in an optical and/or magnetic mass storage devicesuch as a disk, an integrated circuit having non-volatile storage suchas flash storage), or a computer network wherein program instructionsare sent over optical or electronic communication links. The DetailedDescription provides an exposition of one or more embodiments of theinvention that enable improvements in cost, profitability, performance,efficiency, and utility of use in the field identified above. TheDetailed Description includes an Introduction to facilitateunderstanding of the remainder of the Detailed Description. TheIntroduction includes Example Embodiments of one or more of systems,methods, articles of manufacture, and computer readable media inaccordance with concepts described herein. As is discussed in moredetail in the Conclusions, the invention encompasses all possiblemodifications and variations within the scope of the issued claims.

During hand-held operation, configuration of an NFC/RFID Reader/Writerperipheral device in a predefined mode named “Mobile Mode withAuto-Collection”, enables recognition of a long duration (e.g. 5 second)trigger press (AKA a “Long Press”) as an enabling event prompting achange of scan behavior between single-shot scan operation andcontinuous scan operation. In other defined Modes of the peripheraldevice, other predetermined enabling events, such as the presence orabsence of a predetermined external power source, prompt the changebetween single-shot and continuous scan operations. The Long Press andthe other intuitive features enable the general user to be able toswitch between various modes and to do so without requiring acquisitionor use of an additional dedicated scanner with its requisite expense orinconvenience, and without requiring advanced knowledge, special access,or special resources.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates, via a structural system perspective, embodiments ofa peripheral device for NFC/RFID scanning.

FIG. 2 illustrates, via a structural block diagram perspective,embodiments of a peripheral device for NFC/RFID scanning comprising anycombination of a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag reader and/or writerand a Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) reader and/or writer.

FIG. 3 illustrates, via a process flow diagram, selected operatingdetails of embodiments of the peripheral device for NFC/RFID scanning ofFIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4A illustrates aspects of hand-held operation of embodiments of theperipheral device for NFC/RFID scanning of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3.

FIG. 4B illustrates aspects of hands-free operation of embodiments ofthe peripheral device for NFC/RFID scanning of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates aspects of switching operation, between single-shotscanning and continuous scanning, of embodiments of the peripheraldevice for NFC/RFID scanning of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention isprovided below along with accompanying figures illustrating selecteddetails of the invention. The invention is described in connection withthe embodiments. The embodiments herein are understood to be merelyexemplary, the invention is expressly not limited to or by any or all ofthe embodiments herein, and the invention encompasses numerousalternatives, modifications, and equivalents. To avoid monotony in theexposition, a variety of word labels (including but not limited to:first, last, certain, various, further, other, particular, select, some,and notable) may be applied to separate sets of embodiments; as usedherein such labels are expressly not meant to convey quality, or anyform of preference or prejudice, but merely to conveniently distinguishamong the separate sets. The order of some operations of disclosedprocesses is alterable within the scope of the invention. Wherevermultiple embodiments serve to describe variations in process, method,and/or program instruction features, other embodiments are contemplatedthat in accordance with a predetermined or a dynamically determinedcriterion perform static and/or dynamic selection of one of a pluralityof modes of operation corresponding respectively to a plurality of themultiple embodiments. Numerous specific details are set forth in thefollowing description to provide a thorough understanding of theinvention. The details are provided for the purpose of example and theinvention may be practiced according to the claims without some or allof the details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that isknown in the technical fields related to the invention has not beendescribed in detail so that the invention is not unnecessarily obscured.

INTRODUCTION

This introduction is included only to facilitate the more rapidunderstanding of the Detailed Description; the invention is not limitedto the concepts presented in the introduction (including explicitexamples, if any), as the paragraphs of any introduction are necessarilyan abridged view of the entire subject and are not meant to be anexhaustive or restrictive description. For example, the introductionthat follows provides overview information limited by space andorganization to only certain embodiments. There are many otherembodiments, including those to which claims will ultimately be drawn,discussed throughout the balance of the specification.

In some embodiments, a peripheral device for NFC/RFID scanning is ableto toggle between a single-shot scan behavior and a continuous scanbehavior via selective user operation of the trigger. During hand-held“single-shot scanning”, when you “short press” the trigger button (e.g.1 second or less), the NRRW will poll and perform a read operation of asingle tag/card. Additionally during “single-shot scanning”, when you“long press” the trigger button (e.g., 5 seconds or more), the NRRW willstart “continuous scanning” (polling and reading tags/cards repeatedly,indefinitely). Similarly, during “continuous scanning”, a “long press”will toggle back to “single-shot scanning” In some embodiments, the longpress behavior is selectively enabled in a so-called Auto-Collectionsub-mode of hand-held operation, and disabled otherwise.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In concluding the introduction to the detailed description, what followsis a collection of example embodiments, including at least someexplicitly enumerated as “ECs” (Example Combinations), providingadditional description of a variety of embodiment types in accordancewith the concepts described herein; these examples are not meant to bemutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive; and the invention is notlimited to these example embodiments but rather encompasses all possiblemodifications and variations within the scope of the issued claims.

EC1) A method comprising:

-   -   discovering an RFID tag;    -   fetching data from the discovered RFID tag;    -   formatting the fetched data;    -   sending the formatted data to a host;    -   waiting for an acknowledgment from the host;    -   responsive to receiving the acknowledgement, providing user        feedback to a user;    -   wherein in accordance with a first operating behavior, the        discovering is responsive to a request-scan event and in        accordance with a second operating behavior the discovering is        continuously repetitive in accordance with repetitive polling;    -   further comprising toggling between the first operating behavior        and the second operating behavior responsive to an        operating-behavior-toggle event;    -   wherein the request-scan event and the operating-behavior-toggle        event are indicated at least in part by corresponding durations        of activating a same pressure-sensitive element by the user; and    -   wherein the discovering, the fetching, the formatting, the        sending, the waiting, the providing, and the toggling are        performed by a portable RFID scanner.

EC2) The method of EC1, wherein the pressure-sensitive element is atrigger button of the portable RFID scanner.

EC3) The method of EC1, wherein the duration corresponding to therequest-scan event is equal to or less than one second.

EC4) The method of EC1, wherein the duration corresponding to theoperating-behavior-toggle event is equal to or greater than fiveseconds.

EC5) The method of EC1, wherein the portable RFID scanner is powered byat least one of an internal battery and at least a first external powersource, and wherein when operating in the first operating behavior andthe first external power source is removed, when the first externalpower source is reapplied, operating resumes in the first operatingbehavior; and when operating in the second operating behavior and thefirst external power source is removed, when the first external powersource is reapplied, operating resumes in the second operating behavior.

EC6) The method of EC1, wherein the portable RFID scanner is powered byat least one of an internal battery and at least a first external powersource, and wherein in each of the first operating behavior and thesecond operating behavior, the operating-behavior-toggle event isfurther indicated by removal of the first external power source; andwherein in each of the first operating behavior and the second operatingbehavior, the operating-behavior-toggle event is further indicated byrestoration of the first external power source.

EC7) A portable scanning peripheral for a host, the peripheralcomprising:

-   -   a scan engine;    -   at least one communications subsystem enabled to communicate        with the host;    -   a user interface;    -   a control subsystem comprising a processor and memory and        enabled to communicate with each of the scan engine, the at        least one communications subsystem, and the user interface;    -   wherein the peripheral is selectively enabled to perform in one        of a plurality of scan modes, comprising a single-scan mode and        a continuous-scan mode;    -   wherein in the single-scan mode the peripheral performs        respective single scans in response to respective scan requests        as manually commanded by a first predetermined activation        duration of a predetermined control of the user interface;    -   wherein in the continuous-scan mode the peripheral performs        repetitive scans without requiring respective scan requests; and    -   wherein the peripheral transitions between the single-scan mode        and the continuous-scan mode as manually commanded by a second        predetermined activation duration of the same control of the        user interface.

EC8) The peripheral of EC7, wherein the first predetermined activationduration is equal to or less than one second.

EC9) The peripheral of EC7, wherein the second predetermined activationduration is equal to or greater than five seconds.

EC10) The peripheral of EC7, wherein each transition between thesingle-scan mode and the continuous-scan mode is signaled to the user byone or more transducers of the user interface.

EC11) The peripheral of EC7, wherein each transition between thesingle-scan mode and the continuous-scan mode is signaled to the user byhaptic feedback.

EC12) The peripheral of EC7, wherein each transition between thesingle-scan mode and the continuous-scan mode is signaled to the user byone or more audible tones.

EC13) The peripheral of EC7, wherein each transition between thesingle-scan mode and the continuous-scan mode is signaled to the uservia a predetermined change in one or more light emitting elements of theuser interface.

EC14) The peripheral of EC7, further comprising:

-   -   wherein the peripheral is enabled to be selectively removably        attached to and operate from a compatible perch for hands-free        scanning;    -   wherein the peripheral is enabled to be selectively wielded and        operated by a user's single hand for hand-held scanning and the        predetermined control is enabled to be activated by a digit of        the hand during the hand-held scanning.

EC15) The peripheral of EC14, further comprising:

-   -   wherein the peripheral is selectively enabled to automatically        transition to the continuous-scan mode when attached to the        compatible perch; and    -   wherein the peripheral is selectively enabled to automatically        transition to the single-scan mode when removed from the        compatible perch.

EC16) The peripheral of EC7, wherein the peripheral is furtherselectively enabled to transition to each of the plurality of scan modesin response to one or more predetermined commands received from thehost.

EC17) The peripheral of EC7, wherein the peripheral is furtherselectively enabled to transition to at least some of the plurality ofscan modes as directed by one or more predetermined commands sent by ahost application.

EC18) The peripheral of EC7, wherein the peripheral is furtherselectively enabled to transition between the single-scan mode and thecontinuous-scan mode as directed by a secure tap command of a hostapplication.

EC19) The peripheral of EC7, wherein the manually commanded transitionsbetween the single-scan mode and the continuous-scan mode are predicatedon at least one further predetermined condition.

EC20) The peripheral of EC7, wherein the manually commanded transitionsbetween the single-scan mode and the continuous-scan mode are predicatedon the existence of an active connection between the peripheral and thehost.

EC21) The peripheral of EC7, wherein the manually commanded transitionsbetween the single-scan mode and the continuous-scan mode are predicatedon the logical state of a predetermined configuration bit.

EC22) The peripheral of EC7, further comprising:

-   -   wherein the peripheral is enabled to be selectively removably        attached to and operate with external power provided via a        predetermined power port for hands-free scanning;    -   wherein the peripheral is enabled to operate with an internal        power source, the peripheral is further enabled to be        selectively wielded and operated by a user's single hand for        hand-held scanning, and the predetermined control is enabled to        be activated by a digit of the hand during the hand-held        scanning.

EC23) The peripheral of EC22, further comprising:

-   -   wherein the peripheral is selectively enabled to automatically        transition to the continuous-scan mode when attached to the        external power provided via the predetermined power port; and    -   wherein the peripheral is selectively enabled to automatically        transition to the single-scan mode when removed from the        external power provided via the predetermined power port.

EC24) The peripheral of EC22, further comprising:

-   -   wherein the transition between the single-scan mode and the        continuous-scan mode is performed contingent on absence of the        external power at the predetermined power port.

EC25) The peripheral of EC15, wherein the perch comprises a selected oneof a stand, a mount, and a cradle.

EC26) The peripheral of EC7, further comprising:

-   -   a power subsystem enabled to receive and monitor power from a        plurality of power sources.

EC27) The peripheral of EC7, wherein the predetermined control is abutton and the activation is a button-press.

EC28) The peripheral of EC7, wherein the predetermined control is atrigger and the activation is a trigger depress.

EC29) The peripheral of EC7, wherein the scan engine is an NFC/RFID scanengine.

EC30) The peripheral of EC7, wherein the scan engine is any one or moreof an NFC reader, an NFC reader/writer, a RFID reader, and a RFIDreader/writer.

EC31) The peripheral of EC7, wherein the scan engine is enabled to readwireless tags.

EC32) The peripheral of EC7, wherein the scan engine is enabled to readone or more of NFC tags and RFID tags.

EC33) The peripheral of EC7, wherein the scan engine is a barcode scanengine.

EC34) The peripheral of EC7, wherein the scan engine is enabled to readoptical scan targets.

EC35) The peripheral of EC7, wherein the scan engine is enabled to readone or more of QR codes and linear barcodes.

EC36) The peripheral of EC7, wherein the host is a selected one of asmartphone, a tablet, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a towercomputer, a server computer, and a portable computing device.

EC37) The peripheral of EC7, wherein the host operating system iscompatible with a selected version of a selected one of Linux OS, iOS,Android OS, macOS, and Windows OS.

EC38) The peripheral of EC7, wherein the peripheral is enabled to bepowered by an internal battery and to communicate wirelessly with thehost.

EC39) The peripheral of EC38, wherein the at least one communicationssubsystem comprises a radio-subsystem compatible with one or moreversions of Bluetooth Low Energy.

EC40) The peripheral of EC38, wherein the at least one communicationssubsystem comprises a radio-subsystem compatible with at least version4.2 of the Bluetooth Specification.

EC41) The peripheral of EC7, wherein peripheral is enabled to be poweredby an external power source and to communicate via wired interconnectwith the host.

EC42) The peripheral of EC7, further comprising:

-   -   wherein the plurality of scan modes further comprises a        configuration card scan mode;    -   wherein invoking the configuration card scan mode results in the        peripheral        -   a) performing a configuration card scan,        -   b) preparing the peripheral in accordance with configuration            data read by the configuration card scan, and        -   c) exiting the configuration card scan mode and operating in            accordance with the configuration data; and    -   wherein the configuration card scan mode is entered as manually        commanded by a third predetermined activation duration of the        same control of the user interface.

EC43) The peripheral of EC7, further comprising:

-   -   wherein in the single-scan mode the peripheral further performs        respective single scans in response to respective scan requests        as remotely commanded by a first command transmitted by the        host;    -   wherein the peripheral further transitions between the        single-scan mode and the continuous-scan mode as remotely        commanded by a second command transmitted by the host.

EC44) The peripheral of EC42, further comprising:

-   -   wherein the configuration card scan mode is further entered as        remotely commanded by a third command transmitted by the host.

EC45) An NFC/RFID peripheral comprising:

-   -   a hardware processor configured to perform a predefined set of        basic operations in response to receiving a corresponding basic        instruction selected from a predefined native instruction set of        codes;    -   a memory;    -   a control subsystem implemented by the hardware processor the        memory, the control subsystem coupled to an NFC/RFID scanning        engine, and a user interface, the control subsystem comprising        -   a first set of machine codes selected from the native            instruction set for a first scanning behavior of a plurality            of scanning behaviors, the first scanning behavior            comprising performing a single data scan using the NFC/RFID            scanning engine in response to a first button-press duration            of a predetermined button of the user interface,        -   a second set of machine codes selected from the native            instruction set for a second scanning behavior of the            plurality of scanning behaviors, the second scanning            behavior comprising performing continuous unprompted data            scans using the NFC/RFID scanning engine, and        -   a third set of machine codes selected from the native            instruction set for transitioning between the first scanning            behavior and the second scanning behavior in response to a            second button-press duration of the same button of the user            interface.

EC46) The NFC/RFID peripheral of EC45, the control subsystem furthercomprising

-   -   a fourth set of machine codes selected from the native        instruction set for a third scanning behavior of the plurality        of scanning behaviors, the third scanning behavior comprising        -   a) performing a configuration card scan,        -   b) preparing the peripheral in accordance with configuration            data read by the configuration card scan, and        -   c) exiting the third scanning behavior and operating in            accordance with the configuration data, and    -   a fifth set of machine codes selected from the native        instruction set for invoking the third scanning behavior in        response to a third button-press duration of the same button of        the user interface.

EC47) A method comprising:

-   -   in a single-scan mode, performing respective single scans in        response to respective scan requests as manually commanded by a        first predetermined activation duration of a predetermined        control;    -   in a continuous-scan mode, performing repetitive scans without        requiring respective scan requests;    -   in a hand-held mode, behaving in accordance with mobile handheld        operation;    -   in a hands-free mode, behaving in accordance with seated        unattended operation;    -   fetching data from each of a plurality of scan discovered tags,        formatting the fetched data, and sending the formatted data to a        host;    -   transitioning between the single-scan mode and the        continuous-scan mode as manually commanded by a second        predetermined activation duration of the predetermined control;    -   transitioning between the hand-held mode and the hands-free mode        in response to predetermined external power port status changes;        and    -   wherein the method is performed in an RFID scanner.

EC48) The peripheral of EC47, wherein the RFID scanner ismobile-operation-ready and comprises a handheld-form-factor.

EC49) The peripheral of EC47, wherein the RFID scanner is enabled toread HF RFID tags and NFC tags.

EC50) The peripheral of EC47, wherein the first predetermined activationduration is equal to or less than one second.

EC51) The peripheral of EC47, wherein the second predeterminedactivation duration is equal to or greater than five seconds.

EC52) The peripheral of EC47, wherein each transition between thesingle-scan mode and the continuous-scan mode is signaled to a user byhaptic feedback.

EC53) The peripheral of EC47, further comprising:

-   -   automatically transitioning to the continuous-scan mode in        response to detecting a presence of external power at the        predetermined external power port; and    -   automatically transitioning to the single-scan mode in response        to detecting an absence of external power at the predetermined        external power port.

EC54) The peripheral of EC47, further comprising:

-   -   wherein the transitioning between the single-scan mode and the        continuous-scan mode is performed contingent on absence of        external power at the predetermined external power port.

EC55) The peripheral of EC47, wherein the predetermined control is abutton and the activation is a button-press.

EC56) The peripheral of EC47, wherein the predetermined control is atrigger and the activation is a trigger depress.

EC57) The peripheral of EC47, wherein the host is a selected one of asmartphone, a tablet, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a towercomputer, a server computer, and a portable computing device.

EC58) The peripheral of EC47, wherein the host operating system iscompatible with a selected version of a selected one of Linux OS, iOS,Android OS, macOS, and Windows OS.

EC59) The peripheral of EC47, wherein the peripheral is enabled to bepowered by an internal battery and to communicate wirelessly with thehost.

EC60) The peripheral of EC59, wherein the wireless communication iscompatible with one or more versions of Bluetooth Low Energy.

SYSTEM

FIG. 1 illustrates, via a structural system perspective, embodiments ofa peripheral device for NFC/RFID scanning employing multiple scanningmodes, as System 1000. In some embodiments, a system comprises NRRW 1300(a NFC/RFID Reader & Writer), Management/Point-Of-Sale Host 1400 (e.g.,a tablet, smartphone, laptop, desktop, tower, or equivalent computingdevice), and Customer devices, such as a Mobile or Wearable device 1500,and/or Coupon, Card, or Object 1800. In various embodiments,Management/Point-Of-Sale Host 1400 is intended to represent a centraldevice, with NRRW 1300 representing a peripheral device.

In some embodiments, NRRW 1300 is a cordless NFC/RFID tag reader/writerenabled for hand-held use (AKA an NFC/RFID hand reader/writer),optimized to operatively read/write NFC and/or RFID targets while beingwielded by one hand, and comprises NFC/RFID-Engine 1211 enabled to readand/or write NFC and/or RFID tags. Radio Subsystem 1320 comprises alow-energy Bluetooth radio (BLE) enabled to communicate withManagement/Point-Of-Sale Tablet 1400 for receiving configurationcommands and for communication of, and status about, decoded NFC and/orRFID targets and various other types of targets. In some embodiments,NRRW 1300 is integral to a terminal stand and is not removable. In someembodiments, NRRW 1300 includes a cordless hand scanner, optimized tooperatively scan optical targets while being wielded by one hand, andcomprises an optical scan engine, enabled to read optical bar codes ofvarious types. In various embodiments, NRRW 1300 is selectively operableas an NFC/RFID tag cordless hand reader and/or a cordless hand scanner.

Management/Point-Of-Sale Host 1400 comprises Radio Subsystem 1401,Buttons 1405, Display 1404, Nonvolatile storage 1406, Program Storage1407, and according to embodiment Database Storage 1410. In someembodiments, Management/Point-Of-Sale Tablet 1400 is an Apple iPadrunning inter alia a Point-Of-Sale (POS) application on top of an AppleIOS operating system. In some embodiments, Management/Point-Of-SaleTablet 1400 is an Android-compatible device (such as a tablet) runninginter alia a Point-Of-Sale (POS) application on top of an Androidoperating system. In some embodiments, Management/Point-Of-Sale Tablet1400 is a Windows-compatible device (such as a tablet) running interalia a Point-Of-Sale (POS) application on top of a Windows operatingsystem. In some embodiments, Radio Subsystem 1401 comprises a WiFi radioand a dual-mode Classic/BLE Bluetooth radio. In some embodiments, theWiFi radio is to communicate via Private WiFi Hot Spot/Router 1601 andPrivate LAN 1600 with Private Local Server 1605 to access DatabaseStorage 1610. In some embodiments having one or more elements ofOff-site 1750, Tablet 1400 optionally also communicates via Internet1700 with Private Remote Server 1705 to access Database Storage 1710.The various Database Storage instances 1410, 1610, and 1710, areoptionally used according to embodiment for one or more of syncing,backup, or caching of database subsets, in accordance with well-knownmethods.

Mobile or Wearable 1500 is intended to represent one of either a mobiledevice (such as a smartphone, or tablet, generally having a display) ora wearable device (such as a watch or fitness band, having a small or nodisplay according to embodiment). According to embodiment, Mobile orWearable 1500 comprises one or more of Radio Subsystem 1501, NFC/RFIDEngine 1502, NFC/RFID NVM 1503, Display 1504, Buttons 1505, and NVStorage 1506. In some embodiments, Mobile or Wearable 1500 is a selectedone of an IOS smartphone, an Android smartphone, a Windows smartphone, aBlackBerry smartphone, an Apple Watch, a Sony Smartwatch, or an NFCsmart wristband, ring, bracelet, necklace, or other jewelry. Accordingto embodiment, Radio Subsystem 1501 is enabled to receive Beaconinformation (such as from a another BLE radio comprised in System 1000)via, e.g., an included Bluetooth/BLE capability. According toembodiment, mobile devices optionally and/or selectively connect toInternet 1700 either via an integral cellular connection or via PublicWiFi Hot Spot/Router 1701. Access to the Public Hot Spot is variouslyunrestricted, provided as a general customer courtesy, or selectivelyprovided as part of a customer loyalty program (for example, to thoseCustomers that have installed a customer loyalty application, or havemet other predetermined customer loyalty criteria), according toembodiment and/or usage scenario.

In various embodiments, Coupon, Card, or Object 1800 is intended torepresent one of either an e.g., credit-card sized electronic identitycard (such as used for access, transit, and banking) or a printed-papercoupon. According to embodiment, Coupon, Card, or Object 1800 comprisesone or more of NFC Tag 1803 or Contactless SmartCard Chip 1805. In someembodiments, Coupon, Card, or Object 1800 is a selected one of an NFCLoyalty Card, a printed coupon, a QR Code Loyalty Card, an Oyster Card,or a Configuration Card (AKA a master card). In various embodiments,Coupon, Card, or Object 1800 is intended to represent any type of NFCtag and/or RFID tag. In various embodiments, Coupon, Card, or Object1800 is intended to represent any type barcode, e.g., optical barcodesuch as linear barcode, a 2D barcode, or a QR barcode.

FIG. 2 illustrates, via a structural perspective, embodiments of aperipheral device for NFC/RFID scanning comprising any combination of aNear Field Communication (NFC) tag reader and/or writer and a RadioFrequency IDentification (RFID) reader and/or writer. In variousembodiments and/or usage scenarios, any one or more elements and/orportions thereof of FIG. 2 correspond to any one or more elements and/orportions thereof of NRRW 1300 of FIG. 1. As a specific example, Radio-SS2320 corresponds, in some embodiments, to all or any portions ofRadio-SS 1320 of FIG. 1. As another specific example, NFC/RFID-Engine2211 corresponds, in some embodiments, to all or any portions ofNFC/RFID-Engine 1211 of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, Core MCU 2999 is ageneral-purpose microcontroller having an ultra-low-power 16-bit 32 MHzCPU with an enhanced instruction set. In some embodiments, Core MCU 2999comprises one or more NVMs and the core is enabled to execute codestored in the NVMs.

FIG. 3 illustrates, via process flow 3000, selected operating details ofembodiments of the peripheral device for NFC/RFID scanning of FIGS. 1and 2. The device has two basic operating behaviors: a single-shot scanbehavior 3100 and a continuous scan behavior 3200. Additional morecomplicated operating scenarios exist, including Operating Modes(described below) built upon the basic operating behaviors.

In a first embodiment, assuming the NRRW is powered on and connected(unless configured to “run unconnected”), when configured for a MobileMode with Auto-Collection, a short trigger press (1 second, or less)initiates a single-shot scan while a long trigger press (5 seconds, ormore) toggles (switches) between “single-shot scanning” behavior (AKA“trigger scanning” behavior) and “continuous scanning” behavior. (MobileMode is AKA hand-held mode. Auto-Collection is AKA Auto-Scan.) During“single-shot scanning” 3100, when you short press the trigger button(See Wait for Trigger or host cmd 3110, and Repeat as needed 3115), theNRRW will poll (with orange LED illuminated, see Discovery Poll for tagor card 3120) and perform a Fetch data 3130 (read) operation (if a cardis discovered in the field). Fetched data is formatted (Format data3140) and transmitted to the host (Send data to host 3150). In someembodiments the host confirms receipt (Receive ACK 3160), followingwhich the scanner provides feedback to the user (Play UI seq. 3170).Afterwards, the process flow returns 3180 to again Wait for Trigger orhost cmd 3110.

If the trigger button press is maintained for 5 seconds or more(corresponding to Transition Event to Continuous scan 3300), at the 5thsecond the orange LED will illuminate and the NRRW will start repeatedlypolling for “continuous scanning”. Similarly, during “continuousscanning”, a long trigger button press (5 seconds or more, correspondingto Transition Event to Single-shot scan 3400) will toggle back to“single-shot scanning” During “continuous scanning”, a short triggerpress has no effect as the NRRW is already performing scansrepetitively.

During “continuous scanning” 3200, Discovery Poll for tag or card 3220is Repeat as needed 3225 until a card is discovered in the field. Datais then fetched (Fetch data 3230), formatted (Format data 3240), andtransmitted to the host (Send data to host 3250). In some embodimentsthe host confirms receipt (Receive ACK 3260), following which thescanner provides feedback to the user (Play UI seq. 3270). Afterwards,the process flow returns 3280 to again Discovery Poll for tag or card3220.

Details according to embodiment: The NRRW provides haptic feedback(vibrating for 100 ms) at the 5th second (when the NRRW toggles to/fromtrigger/continuous scanning) and the orange RFID LED turns on/off. Atone is optional. If the NRRW is reading during a long press, it willcomplete the read operation and then toggle behaviors. If the NRRW is in“single-shot scanning” and the trigger button is long pressed and thereis no card present, the orange LED will turn off after the pollingstops, and then on again at the 5th second. A factory reset will enableMobile Mode with Auto-Collection by default. It is also possible toconfigure for Mobile Mode without Auto-Collection (perhaps if theapplication requires a very long battery life), in which case any longpress is ignored.

FIG. 4A illustrates aspects of hand-held operation 4100 of embodimentsof the peripheral device for NFC/RFID scanning of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3.Hand-held operation refers both to a condition and an operating mode,the mode being active when the NRRW is on while under battery power.Power is turned on via Power Button 1331. During hand-held operation,the NRRW is held in a user's hand 4105 to perform single-shot scans ofone or more of Coupon, Card, or Object 1800, having NFC/RFID tag 1803.Each single-shot scan is initiated by a depression of Trigger 1332 by aDigit of User's Hand 4106. In some embodiments, hand-held operation canbe with Auto-Collection enabled or with Auto-Collection disabled, withenabled being the factory reset condition. In hand-held operation withAuto-Collection enabled, the NRRW starts in Single-shot scan, but a longTrigger 1332 button press (5 sec when the NRRW is running connected orconfigured to run unconnected) toggles between Continuous scan andSingle-shot scan. The toggle is confirmed with haptic feedback (a 100 msvibration) at the 5th second and the Orange RFID LED turns on/off. TheNRRW will remember its state (Trigger or Continuous) when it returns tohand-held mode from a period of operation in hands-free mode. Inhand-held operation with Auto-Collection disabled, only Single-shot scanis possible. A long Trigger Button press will initiate a single-shotscan and not toggle to Continuous scan.

FIG. 4B illustrates aspects of hands-free operation 4200 of embodimentsof the peripheral device for NFC/RFID scanning of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3.Hands-free operation refers both to a condition and an operating mode,the mode being active when the NRRW 1300 is on under “DC from Cradle”power. During hands-free operation, the NRRW is mounted (seated) in astand, mount, or cradle (e.g. Perch/Cradle 1240), and ready forunattended operation, such as continuous scanning of one or more ofCoupon, Card, or Object 1800, having NFC/RFID tag 1803. In FIG. 4B,External Power 1140 is routed under the Base 1210, through (or aside)Support 1220, to Perch/Cradle 1240. An external power port of NRRW 1300removably mates with a compatible port of the Perch/Cradle 1240, toprovide “DC from Cradle” power. In some embodiments, the external powerport of NRRW 1300 comprises two recessed male pins. In some embodiments,one or more so-called Stand Modes (AKA Hands-free Modes) are defined(with respective different behaviors) and based on the priorconfiguration of a particular selection, the selected Stand mode will beactive (overriding Mobile Mode) when operating under external “DC fromCradle” power (in the stand, mount, or cradle). In some embodiments, thedefined Stand modes comprise Detect, Auto, and Kiosk Modes, as detailedbelow.

In the Detect Mode of some embodiments, the NRRW enters Hands-freeoperation (continuous scan, Vibrate and auto power-off timeouts aredisabled and stays connected or advertises to reconnect) when “DC fromCradle” Power is detected. When “DC from Cradle” Power is removed, theNRRW reverts to Hand-held operation (Single-shot scan, Vibrate and autopower-off timeouts are enabled).

In the Auto Mode of some embodiments, the NRRW enters Hands-freeoperation (continuous scan, Vibrate and auto power-off timeouts aredisabled and stays connected or advertises to reconnect) when “DC fromCradle” Power is detected. The NRRW continues in Hands-free operation(continuous scan, Vibrate and auto power-off timeouts are disabled andstays connected or advertises to reconnect) even after the “DC fromCradle” Power is removed. But if the Trigger button is pressed while the“DC from Cradle” Power is removed, the NRRW reverts to Hand-heldoperation (Single-shot scan, Vibrate and auto power-off timeouts areenabled). Auto Mode provides “Low Battery Warning” and “Low BatteryProtection” if the “DC from Cradle” Power is removed and the Triggerbutton is never pressed. In “Low Battery Warning”, when the Batterycapacity reaches 40% the NRRW will beep (4000 Hz for 100 ms) every 60seconds until if/when the Battery capacity rises above 40%. In “LowBattery Protection”, when the Battery capacity reaches 30% the NRRW willreverts to Hand-held operation (Single-shot scan, Vibrate and autopower-off timeouts are enabled) and remain Hand-held until “DC fromCradle” Power is detected.

In the Kiosk Mode of some embodiments, the NRRW is permanently inHands-free operation (continuous scan, Vibrate and auto power-offtimeouts are disabled, and stays connected or advertises to reconnect)regardless of the presence or absence of “DC from Cradle” Power. If “DCfrom Cradle” Power is removed, the NRRW continues in Hands-freeoperation until the Battery is depleted or the mode is changed by theuser.

FIG. 5 illustrates further aspects of switching operation 5000, betweensingle-shot scanning and continuous scanning, of embodiments of theperipheral device for NFC/RFID scanning of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. It will beappreciated that the Long Press may be executed in a variety of ways. Aspreviously discussed in conjunction with FIG. 4A, the Long Press may beperformed with Digit of User's Hand 4106—the same digit of User's Hand4105 used to Short Press the Trigger for single-shot scans. As but onealternative, as shown in FIG. 5, NRRW 1300 may instead be held in User'sHand 4115 and Digit of User's Hand 4116 used to Long Press the Trigger1332.

CONCLUSION

Certain choices have been made in the description merely for conveniencein preparing the text and drawings and unless there is an indication tothe contrary the choices should not be construed per se as conveyingadditional information regarding structure or operation of theembodiments described. Examples of the choices include: the particularorganization or assignment of the designations used for the figurenumbering and the particular organization or assignment of the elementidentifiers (the callouts or numerical designators, e.g.) used toidentify and reference the features and elements of the embodiments.

The words “includes” or “including” are specifically intended to beconstrued as abstractions describing logical sets of open-ended scopeand are not meant to convey physical containment unless explicitlyfollowed by the word “within.”

Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in some detailfor purposes of clarity of description and understanding, the inventionis not limited to the details provided. There are many embodiments ofthe invention. The disclosed embodiments are exemplary and notrestrictive.

It will be understood that many variations in construction, arrangement,and use are possible consistent with the description, and are within thescope of the claims of the issued patent. For example, interconnect andfunction-unit bit-widths, clock speeds, and the type of technology usedare variable according to various embodiments in each component block.The names given to interconnect and logic are merely exemplary, andshould not be construed as limiting the concepts described. The orderand arrangement of flowchart and flow diagram process, action, andfunction elements are variable according to various embodiments. Also,unless specifically stated to the contrary, value ranges specified,maximum and minimum values used, or other particular specifications(such as flash memory technology types; and the number of entries orstages in registers and buffers), are merely those of the describedembodiments, are expected to track improvements and changes inimplementation technology, and should not be construed as limitations.

Functionally equivalent techniques known in the art are employableinstead of those described to implement various components, sub-systems,operations, functions, routines, sub-routines, in-line routines,procedures, macros, or portions thereof. It is also understood that manyfunctional aspects of embodiments are realizable selectively in eitherhardware (i.e., generally dedicated circuitry) or software (i.e., viasome manner of programmed controller or processor), as a function ofembodiment dependent design constraints and technology trends of fasterprocessing (facilitating migration of functions previously in hardwareinto software) and higher integration density (facilitating migration offunctions previously in software into hardware). Specific variations invarious embodiments include, but are not limited to: differences inpartitioning; different form factors and configurations; use ofdifferent operating systems and other system software; use of differentinterface standards, network protocols, or communication links; andother variations to be expected when implementing the concepts describedherein in accordance with the unique engineering and businessconstraints of a particular application.

The embodiments have been described with detail and environmentalcontext well beyond that required for a minimal implementation of manyaspects of the embodiments described. Those of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize that some embodiments omit disclosed components orfeatures without altering the basic cooperation among the remainingelements. It is thus understood that much of the details disclosed arenot required to implement various aspects of the embodiments described.To the extent that the remaining elements are distinguishable from theprior art, components and features that are omitted are not limiting onthe concepts described herein.

All such variations in design are insubstantial changes over theteachings conveyed by the described embodiments. It is also understoodthat the embodiments described herein have broad applicability to othercomputing and networking applications, and are not limited to theparticular application or industry of the described embodiments. Theinvention is thus to be construed as including all possiblemodifications and variations encompassed within the scope of the claimsof the issued patent.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: discovering an RFID tag;fetching data from the discovered RFID tag; formatting the fetched data;sending the formatted data to a host; waiting for an acknowledgment fromthe host; responsive to receiving the acknowledgement, providing userfeedback to a user; wherein in accordance with a first operatingbehavior, the discovering is responsive to a request-scan event and inaccordance with a second operating behavior the discovering iscontinuously repetitive in accordance with repetitive polling; furthercomprising toggling between the first operating behavior and the secondoperating behavior responsive to an operating-behavior-toggle event;wherein the request-scan event and the operating-behavior-toggle eventare indicated at least in part by corresponding durations of activatinga same pressure-sensitive element by the user; and wherein thediscovering, the fetching, the formatting, the sending, the waiting, theproviding, and the toggling are performed by a portable RFID scanner. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein the pressure-sensitive element is atrigger button of the portable RFID scanner.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein the duration corresponding to the request-scan event is equal toor less than one second.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the durationcorresponding to the operating-behavior-toggle event is equal to orgreater than five seconds.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein theportable RFID scanner is powered by at least one of an internal batteryand at least a first external power source, and wherein when operatingin the first operating behavior and the first external power source isremoved, when the first external power source is reapplied, operatingresumes in the first operating behavior; and when operating in thesecond operating behavior and the first external power source isremoved, when the first external power source is reapplied, operatingresumes in the second operating behavior.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the portable RFID scanner is powered by at least one of aninternal battery and at least a first external power source, and whereinin each of the first operating behavior and the second operatingbehavior, the operating-behavior-toggle event is further indicated byremoval of the first external power source; and wherein in each of thefirst operating behavior and the second operating behavior, theoperating-behavior-toggle event is further indicated by restoration ofthe first external power source.
 7. An NFC/RFID peripheral comprising: ahardware processor configured to perform a predefined set of basicoperations in response to receiving a corresponding basic instructionselected from a predefined native instruction set of codes; a memory; acontrol subsystem implemented by the hardware processor the memory, thecontrol subsystem coupled to an NFC/RFID scanning engine, and a userinterface, the control subsystem comprising a first set of machine codesselected from the native instruction set for a first scanning behaviorof a plurality of scanning behaviors, the first scanning behaviorcomprising performing a single data scan using the NFC/RFID scanningengine in response to a first button-press duration of a predeterminedbutton of the user interface, a second set of machine codes selectedfrom the native instruction set for a second scanning behavior of theplurality of scanning behaviors, the second scanning behavior comprisingperforming continuous unprompted data scans using the NFC/RFID scanningengine, and a third set of machine codes selected from the nativeinstruction set for transitioning between the first scanning behaviorand the second scanning behavior in response to a second button-pressduration of the same button of the user interface.
 8. A methodcomprising: in a single-scan mode, performing respective single scans inresponse to respective scan requests as manually commanded by a firstpredetermined activation duration of a predetermined control; in acontinuous-scan mode, performing repetitive scans without requiringrespective scan requests; in a hand-held mode, behaving in accordancewith mobile handheld operation; in a hands-free mode, behaving inaccordance with seated unattended operation; fetching data from each ofa plurality of scan discovered tags, formatting the fetched data, andsending the formatted data to a host; transitioning between thesingle-scan mode and the continuous-scan mode as manually commanded by asecond predetermined activation duration of the predetermined control;transitioning between the hand-held mode and the hands-free mode inresponse to predetermined external power port status changes; andwherein the method is performed in an RFID scanner.
 9. The peripheral ofclaim 8, wherein the RFID scanner is mobile-operation-ready andcomprises a handheld-form-factor.
 10. The peripheral of claim 8, whereinthe RFID scanner is enabled to read HF RFID tags and NFC tags.
 11. Theperipheral of claim 8, wherein the first predetermined activationduration is equal to or less than one second.
 12. The peripheral ofclaim 8, wherein the second predetermined activation duration is equalto or greater than five seconds.
 13. The peripheral of claim 8, whereineach transition between the single-scan mode and the continuous-scanmode is signaled to a user by haptic feedback.
 14. The peripheral ofclaim 8, further comprising: automatically transitioning to thecontinuous-scan mode in response to detecting a presence of externalpower at the predetermined external power port; and automaticallytransitioning to the single-scan mode in response to detecting anabsence of external power at the predetermined external power port. 15.The peripheral of claim 8, further comprising: wherein the transitioningbetween the single-scan mode and the continuous-scan mode is performedcontingent on absence of external power at the predetermined externalpower port.
 16. The peripheral of claim 8, wherein the predeterminedcontrol is a button and the activation is a button-press.
 17. Theperipheral of claim 8, wherein the predetermined control is a triggerand the activation is a trigger depress.
 18. The peripheral of claim 8,wherein the host is a selected one of a smartphone, a tablet, a laptopcomputer, a desktop computer, a tower computer, a server computer, and aportable computing device.
 19. The peripheral of claim 8, wherein thehost operating system is compatible with a selected version of aselected one of Linux OS, iOS, Android OS, macOS, and Windows OS. 20.The peripheral of claim 8, wherein the peripheral is enabled to bepowered by an internal battery and to communicate wirelessly with thehost.
 21. The peripheral of claim 20, wherein the wireless communicationis compatible with one or more versions of Bluetooth Low Energy.